The newly appointed Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Rezaul Karim of Kurigram said that he will work toward becoming a DC of the people.
Members of the district administration welcomed him with flowers while joining office on Thursday afternoon. While talking to Dhaka Tribune, he said: "Law is for the people. We won't allow any violation of the law as we move ahead. This will be my prime responsibility from now on."
Informing that he worked at Kurigram earlier in his career, the 22nd Bangladesh Civil Service cadre, said he will work so that every person gets adequate services.
Responding to a question about what he would do to tackle corruption at various sections of the district administration, he replied: "I am newly appointed. I have clear direction from the government that we remain transparent while providing services to our people. If lack of transparency is reported to me, I will definitely take actions and work to implement the government's mandate."
Addressing the journalists, the new DC said: "You should publish proper news. Criticise my works. Without critics, I wouldn't understand if I am doing good for the public. Constructive criticism is always welcome."
On March 14, Ariful Islam, Kurigram district correspondent of Dhaka Tribune and Bangla Tribune, was sentenced to one year in jail, soon after a mobile court, set up at the Kurigram DC's office, ended the trial proceedings.
The mobile court, in the dead of night, jailed the journalist for a year, after law enforcement led by magistrates picked him up from his home in Kurigram town.
The mobile court brought an allegation against the journalist that drugs and alcohol were recovered from his possession, which his family termed absurd.
On Monday, three executive magistrates of Kurigram, including Senior Assistant Commissioner Nazim Uddin, were withdrawn following the countrywide uproar sparked by the midnight mobile court drive that jailed Dhaka Tribune journalist Ariful Islam.
Former Kurigram Deputy Commissioner Sultana Pervin was served a similar notice the night before.
